No. 1 Song: “Sunny and 75”

Pictured (Back row, L-R): Broken Bow Records’ Jon Loba and producer Derek George; (Middle row, L-R): producer Mickey Jack Cones, Warner-Tamerlane Music Publishing’s Ben Vaughn, Broken Bow Records’ Benny Brown, Triple 8 Management’s George Couri, and Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s Abbey Adams; (Front row, L-R): ASCAP’s LeAnn Phelan, co-writers Michael Dulaney and Paul Jenkins, Joe Nichols, co-writer Jason Sellers, and BMI’s Penny Everhard. Photo credit: Steve Lowry

Nashville industry executives gathered at the Country Music Association‘s offices on a chilly January afternoon on Wednesday (Jan. 22) to celebrate those behind the success of Joe Nichols‘ latest No. 1 song, “Sunny and 75.” The upbeat tune marked songwriters Michael DuLaney‘s seventh, Paul Jenkins‘ fourth and Jason Sellers‘ fourth No. 1 hits. With the tune, Nichols notched his fifth chart-topping song and his first No. 1 song since “Gimmie That Girl” (2010). “Sunny and 75” is the first chart-topping song for Broken Bow Records (BBR) Music Group’s Red Bow label. Derek George and Mickey Jack Cones, co-producers on “Sunny and 75,” were also honored during the celebration.

“When we find out your vocal will be on one of our songs, we get thrilled. We appreciate all the songs you have cut and look forward to many more,” said Sony/ATV’s Troy Tomlinson said to Nichols.

Nichols stated he was initially hesitant to record the “Sunny and 75,” which he didn’t consider to be melodically in his wheelhouse. “When I first heard the song and Jason [Sellers] was singing it, it was hard to envision myself singing it,” said Nichols. “[Broken Bow Records’] Benny [Brown] suggested I try it and it worked, so I appreciate the confidence they have in me.” He offered a round of thanks for everyone who supported his music, including publicist Jenny Bohler, booking agency CAA, and his band and crew, “because they don’t get enough credit,” said Nichols.

Ron Cox was on hand to present Avenue Bank’s donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation on behalf of the songwriters.

Among those on hand to celebrate the song’s success were Broken Bow Records’ Benny Brown and Jon Loba, Sony/ATV’s Terry Wakefield, Warner-Tamerlane Music Publishing’s Ben Vaughn, ASCAP‘s LeAnn Phelan, Sony/ATV’s Abbey Adams, BMI‘s Penny Everhard, and Triple 8 Management’s George Couri, Nichols’ manager.